Racing into the middle of March, it certainly feels like springtime has arrived. With Easter just around the corner, it’s an excellent time to get out and about networking before the long weekend break. Big news currently is the Government’s latest budget, with several major ramifications for businesses based in Dorset. Making sure you are well informed, in this blog, we will be giving you all the key points to chat about whilst meeting new and potential business partners.
Major topics for discussion at networking events will include the tax-free personal allowance. Set to be raised by 2017, individuals will need to earn at least £11,500 before they start to pay tax. More relevant to established business people and TBN members will be that the threshold at which 40% income tax kicks in is being raised to £45,000. The Government has also announced the freezing of the fuel duty, benefiting everyone on their travels to networking events in the coming months!
Of great interest to our members, the Chancellor has also announced that the Government will be permanently raising the threshold for small business rate relief from £6,000 to a maximum of £15,000. He will also be increasing higher rate relief from £18,000 to £51,000. This means that up to 600,000 small businesses, including a huge number across Dorset, will be relieved of paying business rates from next April and see annual savings of nearly £6,000.
Passionate about building business at The Boardroom Network, we are keen to see changes that will encourage growth and education in our area. We are currently looking forward to our spring networking breakfasts. The first will take place on the 7th of April at the Hallmark Hotel in Bournemouth. We also have the launch of our Hampshire branch, which will take place on the 15th of April at the Solent Hotel and Spa in Fareham. We look forward to seeing all our current member once again and some new faces too! You can register now at www.theboardroomnetwork.com/upcoming-meetings